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China’s Forecast on Medal Count

The Chinese Olympic delegation Wednesday forecasted that it wouldn’t win as many medals in London as it did four years ago in its home country.

Xiao Tan, a deputy “chef de mission” for the Chinese, told reporters in the Olympic Media Center that he did an analysis that showed that host countries from one Olympics historically medal in 32% fewer events in the next games and he expects China to follow the trend. China won 100 medals in the 2008 games, including 51 gold medals – tops among all countries.

“I don’t think we’ll have the same amount of medals as in Beijing,” said Mr. Xiao.

Mr. Xiao said he was particularly worried about the Chinese prowess in events that are “ball games,” such as men’s basketball.

“It will be very hard to medal in any ball games. I think that’s our weak point,” he said.

The delegation also mentioned that it hopes that its performance in London will be a “very good demonstration of sports ethics and charisma” and inspire more Chinese enthusiasm in sports, which Mr. Xiao hopes also will boost the sports industry back home.

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